Somewhat Nostalgic

Wyatt and I trekked to the Mid-State Fair this afternoon. The deep fried smell coupled with screeching, careening roller coasters brought back memories of going to the Stanislaus County Fair growing up. The last time I remember being there was 1994 but I must have gone multiple times every August from about 1984 on. My bangs were usually high, my neon baggy t-shirt had rolled up sleeves and my super cool jean shorts were likely acid washed. It was an annual negotiation with my parents - who I went with, where and what time I was dropped off and picked up, how much money (if any) I was given. They were appropriately concerned given my overly boy-crazy nature. And, let's be honest, the best guys are met at the fair.

I also love the thrill of a roller coaster. These were my pre-motion sickness glory days. The Gravitron rocked my world and I liked to go on the Zipper over and over and over until I ran out of tickets. It wasn't just about the boys. Well, it was usually about the boys but the roller coasters were a pleasant deterrent to scoring phone numbers. Once I even had a little kiss on the Zipper. This was a very lasting relationship that started in line for the Zipper and ended as the ride came to a halt. Oh, the good ol' days at the fair.

I don't really enjoy crowds these days and my body has acclimated to year round temperatures of 70 degrees so I have had no desire to go to the sweaty, crowded fair. Until Wyatt. It's funny how things change. I looked at the daily calendar online and found "Mutton Bustin" - a sheep-riding competition for 3 - 7 year olds under 60 lbs. Garett made me pinky swear I wouldn't sign Wyatt up.

We had a good time this afternoon. Wyatt got to go on many rides and I went on a few with him. One was a spinning dragon. We went on this right after eating giant ice cream cones and it was all I could do to keep it together. We also visited The Reptile House and saw crazy snakes and even an alligator. We left before Wyatt really got into his groove but I could only handle a few hours.

I'll have you know that I was not tempted in the slightest tease my bangs, nor did I obtain the phone numbers of any cute boys. My three year old son on my arm and the relentless sweat beading on my forehead may have had something to do with it. Man, I'm old.